KNOXVILLE — Whether 2013-14 is a pivot point in the Tennessee tenure of men’s basketball coach Cuonzo Martin or not, the coach and program have the tenable approval of the head man in charge.

UT athletic director Dave Hart used a lengthy offseason interview with the News Sentinel to reinforce exactly that. There were no surprises or fresh vantages. He’s pleased with Martin. He’s pleased with the progress.

“I feel good about where we are and where we’re moving,” Hart said. “Cuonzo Martin is going to do the right thing. There’s never a doubt there.”

But a de-facto objective still persists for Tennessee and its second-year coach.